Aventura Update Fall 2018
The Official City of Aventura Newsletter cityofaventura.com @cityofaventura
Community Services Programs & Activities 4
A Commitment to Community Involvement T h e C i t y o f A v e n t u r a ’s newsletter represents the City Commission’s continued commitment to keep the community updated about important City government issues and services. This newsletter is published on a periodic basis and your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Mission Statement Our mission is to join with our community to make Aventura a city of the highest quality and a city of excellence. We do this by providing responsive, cost effective and innovative local government services.
Municipal Election Canceled 7
Don SofferAventura High School 10
City Commission Approves New Budget Low Tax Rate and Excellent Services Continue
Recently the City Commission adopted the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. The budget adopted the same tax rate as the prior year of 1.7261, which is the lowest rate in Miami–Dade County. This represents the 23rd year in a row, since the City’s incorporation, with no property tax increase. In addition, no additional debt is proposed. The City’s portion of the total property tax bill represents approximately 10% of the total. The other large portions represent the County and School Board. Just as important as it is to keep taxes low, this was accomplished while maintaining the current service levels and programs Aventura residents and businesses currently enjoy. The budget process produced a total budget of $59,606,774 or 17.8% less than the previous year. This is primarily the result of the completion of major capital outlay projects, the budgetary impacts of Hurricane Irma and the inclusion of the funding for the Aventura Charter High School Construction Fund in the prior year. Capital Outlay expenditures are budgeted at $2,931,925 and decreased by $18,463,696 compared to the prior year. Projects included range from park improvements to road resurfacing and the commitment to invest in stateof-the-art technology to serve and protect our residents. Maintaining our infrastructure, from government buildings to our park facilities, continues to be a major funding priority to protect these assets well into the future. Operating costs for all funds decreased by $129,291 or 0.3% as compared to the previous year. General Fund operating costs decreased by 1.1% mostly due to the impacts of Hurricane Irma experienced in the prior year. The budget maintains our current level for all City services except the following areas: •
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Aventura Arts & Cultural Center 8
Added one (1) new Police Officer position to serve as a School Resource Officer for the new Aventura Charter High School to enhance safety and security.
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